[speedingpenguin]

I came across a 94 Grand Cherokee (Not sure if its the 4.0 or 5.2) for cheap, its in great shape except it wont shift out of 4wd according to the owner. Just curious if this is something common that happens with these things and what the likely causes/solutions are? What should I look for? Thanks!
-Chris

[Jeep-Jen]

Mine gets stuck all the time. All I have to do is put it in reverse and back up a few feet, has to be in a straight line. Usually does the trick. I'm sure though, if the seller says it's stuck it's probably a little more complicated.

[jeepheller98]

doesnt matter if its the 4.0 or the 5.2.. does quadra trac, or the select trac? the linkage might just be rusted/ or not lined up right or maybe not even connected... either way a used T-case can be found from the junk yard or for sale alot for like $150 (go with the select trac II (242) t-case) that way you dont have to worry about the VC

[speedingpenguin]

Originally Posted by jeepheller98

doesnt matter if its the 4.0 or the 5.2.. does quadra trac, or the select trac? the linkage might just be rusted/ or not lined up right or maybe not even connected... either way a used T-case can be found from the junk yard or for sale alot for like $150 (go with the select trac II (242) t-case) that way you dont have to worry about the VC

Think I should just buy the truck, take out the front driveshaft, and drive it as-is until i can figure out what the problem is exactly?
I can probably get it for around 800 bucks, maybe even less, the interior is REALLY nice, and the body is solid and in pretty good shape, I think the paint just needs to be cleaned up...

[SpeedyCat3]

Buy it and shift the TC manually underneath to either 4FullTime or 2WD. Just use a pry bar to move the lever forward, and that is it. Most likely the bushings on the linkage are non existent.. You can get a complete linkage rebuild kit, and it will shift like new. If the TC is toasted, just pick one of from a junyard and be happy...

Oh.. Knock the price down to $600....

[speedingpenguin]

haha well my 800 dollar figure is coming down from 1250.... the guy who's selling the car for the owner said i could pretty much get it for 800, but i'll see what i can do...

To shift it to 2wd, which lever would be the one I need to shift and to what position?
Thanks
-Chris

[SpeedyCat3]

If the TC has 2wd-part time hi-fulltime-neutral-part time lo, then it is a 242H, and the TC lever (underneath the car) needs to be all the way forward. It is a stubby little lever that is in the TC. Can't miss it.

If it only has full time - neutral- 4 lo, then it is the 249J, and again, the lever needs to be all the way to the forwardmost detent.

[Virmagicus]

Even if you have to seperate the shift rod from the lever you can still manually shift like speedy said. Bring a 14mm wrench with you and a flat screwdriver.

[hot-side]

just drive it it 4wd!!

[SpeedyCat3]

Originally Posted by hot-side

just drive it it 4wd!!

Right, and destroy the TC in the process by driving onroad.

[hot-side]

Who said to drive it on road? drive it till it dies then leave it in the woods!!

[SpeedyCat3]

Originally Posted by hot-side

Who said to drive it on road? drive it till it dies then leave it in the woods!!

, , <> , .

[witttom]

I'm relatively new to the ZJ world. Owned a Cherokee, but replaced it with my 96 Grand. Within a week of owning the ZJ, I took it offroad. I doubt seriously if it has ever been offroad. Shortly after, the "Part Time" light shows up (I have the Select Track) while the lever is still in the 2WD position. Even if I pull the lever back into the PT position, then push it forward again, it usually stays lit. The front wheels on the center console display will often turn blue. If I pull it back to FT 4WD, drive it like that for a bit, then shift it back to 2WD when I'm going in a straight line down the road at speed, it will usually go back to 2WD. It's annoying, but I'm learning to live with it.

So you guys are thinking this is a linkage problem?